Carfentanil re-emerges in the illicit drug marketing, coinciding with reported overdoses in Northeastern Oregon
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, November 21st, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON – (Release from the Center for Human Development) Carfentanil, a potent synthetic analogue of illegally made fentanyl (IMF), has begun to re-emerge in the illicit drug market. This coincided with reported increases in fatal and non-fatal overdoses in Northeastern Oregon and Southeast Washington. Carfentanil is estimated to be 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine and was linked to a significant rise in fatal overdoses throughout the United States.1 Because of the recent increases in overdoses, it is crucial to inform people who use drugs (PWUD) of the shifts in local drug markets and the high potency of novel substances being identified when information is available.
Public Health Awareness
Anyone using drugs should assume it contains fentanyl. There are no indications of a difference in potency due to color of powdered fentanyl. Fentanyl in powdered form may be more potent than in pill form due to inconsistent mixing and manufacturing in counterfeit pills. Overdose from fentanyl use may be higher than other opioids, putting those who are opioid-naïve at a much higher risk of accidental overdose.
Naloxone (Narcan) is widely available in Oregon and can be obtained by asking their doctor or local pharmacist for a naloxone prescription. Under Oregon state laws, anyone can ask for a naloxone prescription, even if they plan to use it for someone else. Cost may depend on your insurance coverage -Medicaid recipients may receive naloxone prescriptions at no cost.
Residents of Union County can also contact the Center for Human Development to obtain Narcan as well as training on how to administer the life-saving medication. The Center for Human Development also offers treatment programs, including the Medication Assisted Opioid Use Disorder treatment (MOUD) program which includes medication, counseling, case management and support for those who are seeking hope and healing from opioid use disorder.
If you believe someone is overdosing:
- Call 911
- Breathe for the person
- Give naloxone (NARCAN).
Even if you aren’t sure what the person took, giving naloxone will not hurt the person. The Good Samaritan Law in Oregon protects you when you call 9-1-1.
If someone is ready for treatment, please call the CHD at 541-962-8800 to get started toward recovery today. Or, visit the CHD Outreach Center located at 2108 Island Avenue. The Outreach Center offers low barrier services, harm reduction services and peer-supports to aid people in recovery.
Additional information on fentanyl can be found at: Oregon Health Authority’s Fentanyl Facts webpage
About the Center for Human Development Inc.
CHD is a private, not-for-profit health organization located in La Grande, Oregon. CHD provides addictions and mental health services, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities services, public health services, and veterans services to the residents of Union County.
CHD’s Behavioral Health team offers hope and healing, new beginnings, and personal growth to children, adolescents, adults, and their families. Services include a wide-range of integrated behavioral health services, including counseling, addiction recovery services, psychiatry, case management, peer services, and much more. At CHD, highly trained and skilled professionals can aid you in finding solutions to the struggles that you and your family may be experiencing.
CHD provides programs and services that maintain and improve public health in Union County. Public Health focuses on the health of the population as a whole. Our efforts to improve the health of the entire community include family planning, home visiting programs for children and their families, communicable disease prevention and treatment, immunizations, WIC-nutritional program, adolescent health, emergency preparedness and response, among others. CHD provides many of these public health services on behalf of Union County that fulfill their responsibility to protect and promote the health of Union County residents.
